Is reefer a hobby?

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by medhatreefguy

You don't have enough in your tank then, ha ha! I have three dogs by the way.

hmm 150 gal total water btween two display tanks and a sump, packed full of SPS and a few fish.. what more did I need? I think a lot of it was because of lots of flow, over sized skimmer, Ca reactor, Kalk reactor, UV, chiller, ect... that I didn't have to worry about doseing which to me is a huge PITA. my theory has always been to use lots and big equipment to make my job less. and once the tank was set up and established it was something to look at, not something to work on.

Steve

[zeddy]

i find this is more of an obsession than a hobby, but when people come over and look at my tank with aw it makes it all worth it

[fishoholic]

Originally Posted by medhatreefguy

Try this one:

Obsession - the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, desire, etc.

I think that sums it up.

100% agreed

Originally Posted by no_bs

This is not a hobby. It's an addiction, like crack. Must have. Need it. Want it.

Yep!

Originally Posted by bauder1986

Just think of how much more active your brain is now compared to before....at least you have something healthy to think about all the time to keep the ol' neurons sparking....good way to keep the amnesia and dimensia away haha but meanwhile you suffer a bad case of insomnia.

Hey, I always knew I was smrt, this proves it I do agree with the sleepless nights, I've had many of those.

Originally Posted by SeaHorse_Fanatic

I tell newbies or non-reefers that "Crack is a cheaper addiction."

Waaaayyyyyy cheaper

[kien]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

. my theory has always been to use lots and big equipment to make my job less. and once the tank was set up and established it was something to look at, not something to work on.

Steve

I share this exact philosophy :-D

I will admit that I am a little obessed with the philosophy :-)

[BlueAbyss]

Originally Posted by George

Reefing is definitely not a hobby. I compare reefing to keeping pets (cat, dog, etc.). Basically you are taking care of some live animals, doesn't matter it's a fish, a coral or a cat. You try to provide the best environment you can, do the best you can to take care of them and see they grow. It's more involving than a hobby, IMO.

+1, this is more like a combination of gardening and animal husbandry. Actually, that's exactly what this is. Animal garden husbandry... I can't have been the first person to think of that

[plutoniumJoe]

I think all people are susceptible to obsessions and maybe men even more so. Is it a hobby? Right up to the moment before it becomes an obsession. If you can walk that razors edge then you can call it a hobby but once you lean back in that chair paste the point that you can no longer catch yourself you have slipped into obsession.

I think that we should ban together and look for support (financial), possibly government subsidized to get some help.


The truth is we find things to occupy our time. I don't watch sports and could not imagine devoting 3hrs on a Sunday to watch football. Is an hour of tank maintenance really that unrealistic for all the joy and serenity an aquarium brings us.

Anyway my two thoughts.

[Johnny Reefer]

Does it really matter? It's an activity you do.

[viperfish]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

hmm 150 gal total water btween two display tanks and a sump, packed full of SPS and a few fish.. what more did I need? I think a lot of it was because of lots of flow, over sized skimmer, Ca reactor, Kalk reactor, UV, chiller, ect... that I didn't have to worry about doseing which to me is a huge PITA. my theory has always been to use lots and big equipment to make my job less. and once the tank was set up and established it was something to look at, not something to work on.

Steve

I agree, and I have a similar setup with a 180 and a 90 and lots of gear (Only I dose two part instead of reactors). My problem is I can't just look at it! I have to be tweaking and changing, I always see an idea for improvement or a way of making it better, and I just can't rest until I try it out. My dogs are my pets, they're like a part of the family, I just don't see my tanks the same way. I see reefing as a challenge, one which you never master but you always have another idea that will get you as close to perfection as the wallet (and the Wife) will allow.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by medhatreefguy

I agree, and I have a similar setup with a 180 and a 90 and lots of gear (Only I dose two part instead of reactors). My problem is I can't just look at it! I have to be tweaking and changing, I always see an idea for improvement or a way of making it better, and I just can't rest until I try it out. My dogs are my pets, they're like a part of the family, I just don't see my tanks the same way. I see reefing as a challenge, one which you never master but you always have another idea that will get you as close to perfection as the wallet (and the Wife) will allow.

I don't even see the tank as a pet, I see it more as art. for me the obsessive part is building the equipment for the tank.. once that is done and it is up and running it is a work of art to look at, but requires a bit of maintance.

Steve

[burtonpj48]

Originally Posted by bauder[B

[/b] If it wasnt tough, then it wouldnt be interesting and the rewards in the end wouldnt be that great.

I agree, for some reason all the hardships you go thru with a tank, Is nothing in comparison to the reward you get for how beautiful it is. To be able to look at the tank, and be happy for what you have accomplished